Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 49

Rate of benefit

Section 49 sets out how the weekly rate of maternity benefit is calculated, with different rules applying depending on whether the claim began before or on/after 6 January 2014.

• For claims starting before 6 January 2014, the weekly rate is the highest of: 80% of average reckonable weekly earnings, the equivalent illness benefit amount, or any prescribed amount.
• For claims starting on or after 6 January 2014, the weekly rate is the higher of: the equivalent illness benefit amount (including any increases) or €299.
• The 2014 change removed the 80% earnings-based calculation for newer claims, establishing a clearer minimum floor of €299 per week.
• Reckonable weekly earnings, emoluments and income mean the claimant's average weekly income calculated in accordance with regulations, up to a prescribed limit.